Noon - meet at Golden Wok

Call to Order

Minutes (pages 2 - 3 )

Ted James, The Complex Board

Treasurer's Report
March Treasurer's Report (attached)
Budget Update (attached)

Executive
     Executive Director Meetings Report (attached)
     Computer & printer
     Nominating Committee
     Annual Dinner - Thursday, June 18, 2009
          Location - TBA

Tourism & Promotions
     City Tourism Committee Report
     Bridal Walk Committee Report
     "Celebrate Fulton" - Springfield/Lincoln Museum Bus Trip
     Dutch Days - bounce house volunteers and float
     2009 Goal - Summer Community Nights/Sales Specials Update
     Letter to FHS - 2011 Reagan Centennial Celebration

Government Affairs
     Candidates' Forum Update
     Springfield Lobby Trip Update - Stoermer
     Focus 2010 (CCI Committee) Update - Stoermer

Member Relations
     Member Ed Committee (see minutes attached)
     2009 Goal - New Member Mentoring Program - sponsor, board mtg., and Biz After 5
     2009 Goal - Business Site Visit/Tour & Breakfast Update
     2009 Goal - Workshop & Speaker
     Fulton Library Ribbon Cutting - April 15, 5pm
     Urban Chic - Ribbon Cutting - April 22, 5pm
     Hazardous & E-Waste Pick-Up Day - possibly Oct. 3 in conjunction with Bulky Waste

Downtown
Fulton Retail Development Group Update

Old/New Business

Other

Next Board Meeting: May 12, 2009, Noon

Adjourn

Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Minutes from March 10, 2009

Attendance: Heather Bennett, Linda Hollis, Steve Owen, Patti Housenga, Paula Rogis, Lynne Loerop, Bill Stoermer, Chuck Dykstra, Greg Naftzger, and Bill Wilkin.

Minutes: A motion was made by Hollis and seconded by Loerop to approve the minutes from February 11, 2009. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report: Hollis reviewed February Treasurer's Report: revenue as $1,029.34 and expenditures of $745.39, leaving an ending balance of $13,603.70. A motion was made by Loerop and seconded by Rogis to accept the February Treasurer's Report. Motion carried.

Executive: The goals from the 2009 Planning Session were prioritized by President Stoermer and Bennett. The five goals are: 1.) mentoring new chamber members (Member Ed Committee), 2.) business leaders breakfast and tours (Member Ed Committee). 3.) downtown summer community nights (City Tourism Committee), 4.) work with merchants on sale specials/shopping events (Chamber & City Tourism Committee), and 5.) management training workshops (Chamber).

Bennett provided a copy of her monthly meetings report.

The city was contacted about purchasing a new computer and printer for the chamber office. Per the city's budget committee, they have asked if the chamber would consider splitting the cost ($1600 total = $800 each). Community State Bank offered to pay for the chamber's half of the cost ($800) if the city was going to pick up the other half. A big thank you to Community State Bank!

The following board members' terms end August 31, 2009: Patti Housenga, Chuck Dykstra, and Lynne Loerop. Each has already served two terms (6 yrs. total) and is not eligible to serve a third term. Per the bylaws, the board must approve a nominating committee who will then seek out three board members to fill the vacancies - term, June 2009 thru 2012. The board would like to proceed with asking Eric Johnson, Randy Clary, and Deb Riggen to serve on the nominating committee. A motion was made by Naftzger and seconded by Rogis to proceed with asking Johnson, Clary, and Riggen to serve on the nominating committee. Motion carried.

The new newsletter was emailed out to chamber members in March. The chamber has received several positive comments on the new format.

Tourism & Promotions: Naftzger reported on City Tourism Committee. Nancy Kolk has contacted several organizations in town regarding "Celebrate Fulton" and is awaiting their response, which is due May 1. Bennett is working with Clinton Herald on a new Fulton visitor guide. Connie Koehn and Bennett are coordinating a hospitality training program for front-line employees. The Early American Crafters are electing new officers and working with Midwest Tool Collectors Association on cataloging and displaying tools in the blacksmith shop. The windmill volunteers are gearing up for a new season and plan to organize some programs this summer focused upon the province of Groningen. Dutch Days will have the Dutch dinner at Manny's Too on Saturday.

The Fulton Bridal Walk Committee met and will be sending out letters to businesses the first part of April.

Government Affairs: Candidate's Forum to be held March 12, from 5pm to 7pm, Manny's Too. A pizza buffet will be available for $5.00 from 5pm to 5:30pm. Barak's Truck Repair and FACE have agreed to be sponsors for the event. All but one candidate, Warren Juist, will be participating in the forum.

Per President Stoermer and City Administrator Randy Balk, the Springfield Lobby Trip will be planned later this spring after the city elections.

Stoermer reported FOCUS 2010 continues to meet and is happy to report two subgroups are now meeting: Riverfront Corridor Committee and the Complex board (recreational facility). The Riverfront Corridor Committee is co-chaired by Sue Mannix and Wendy Ottens. The Complex board is not directly affiliated with FOCUS 2010; they are a private group of citizens. The Riverfront Corridor committee plans to study development ideas from Heritage Canyon to the Marina and from the Fulton Martin House Museum to the river. The Complex board is looking to formally organize as a not-for-profit organization and is researching land and building opportunities. FOCUS 2010 plans to further research senior and affordable housing opportunities.

Member Relations: The Member Ed Committee would like to find additional committee members. Bennett sent out an email notice to several chamber members, but had no response. Urban Chic has not confirmed a date for their ribbon cutting, yet.

Downtown: Fulton Retail Development Group is searching for their next building project. The Fulton Township Office would like to purchase a building that could house their office and large equipment. If the Township is successful, FRDG may consider purchasing the old Township building. Dykstra reported his Journal Office building is coming along nicely and all the windows have been installed.

Stoermer would like to see the chamber office moved to the old train depot building, currently housed by the school district office. The school district has not indicated if they are interested in selling. Bennett noted the chamber does not pay rent or utilities in its current location.

Old/New Business: Bennett will give her quarterly city tourism and chamber report to the city council on March 16. A copy of the report will be provided to the chamber board. Wendy Ottens, Susan May, and Bill Blecha will also be at the meeting to report on the importance of tourism to the community.

Next Meeting: April 14, 2009, Noon, at Golden Wok.

Adjourn: A motion was made by Naftzger and seconded by Wilkin to adjourn the meeting at 12:50 p.m. Motion carried.